Release Date: May 12, 2006Contact: 888-249-NEWS
Educational Options, Inc. Named U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Educational Options, Inc. of Arlington, Virginia has been named the 2006 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year. Owner Thomas E. Sawner accepted the award during ACCESS 2006: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Summit.
"Educational Options demonstrates a dedication to their employees, customers, and communities that exemplifies America's spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship," said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Small businesses are the backbone of America's economy. This award is presented to highlight a business that conducts itself in a caring and innovative way every day."
Educational Options provides online high school courses to more than 100,000 students in nearly 1,200 schools and institutions in 43 states. The company is currently developing GED to Diploma, a program to assist communities with their GED and adult high school diploma programs.
Educational Options frequently offers matching funds to school systems serving underprivileged students through their not-for-profit foundation, the Educational Opportunity and Research Foundation. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the company offered free use of its products for any school system shut down by the storm.
In addition, employees receive fully paid health insurance coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, 10% annual bonus, tuition matching program, and flexible work schedules and telecommuting opportunities.
Educational Options was selected from a pool of nominated businesses nationwide. One semifinalist was selected from each of 7 regions across the country from among previous winners of the U.S. Chamber Blue Ribbon Small Business Award.
The Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by AIG, was designed to honor businesses that show excellence in a variety of selection criteria, including financial performance and business history, staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and business planning.
The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than
3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
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